| | DECEMBER - JANUARY MANAGEHRMAGAZINE.COM8ACHIEVING WORK LIFE JOY, NOT BALANCEPost-COVID remote working was what seemed like a blessing for the "work-life balance" of corporate employees. Hooray! We finally had some flexibility during our workdays - we could take a walk or exercise in the middle of the day, we could cook meals at home, not spend hours driving on a freeway or riding a crowded train. We got time back with our loved ones. But then, there were those who felt they could never escape work. There was no lengthy commute, so they logged in earlier and logged off later. Work was taking place in the same location as relaxing dinners with the family. Now the lines between "work" and "life" became too blurred. Some felt more stressed than ever.Even though some now have more choices of how to juggle "work" with "life," we are still challenged with the precarious "balance" between the two. Pre-COVID: Mothers break down because they feel like they aren't spending enough time with their child; they are working too much at the office.Post-COVID: New mothers break down because they feel they aren't good parents despite being at home all day. Pre-COVID: Employees burn out from working nonstop at the office overtime.Post-COVID: Employees burn out because they work nonstop at home without the distraction of a family or roommates.Is there a solution? First, let's discuss this "work" vs. "life" balance that everyone strives to achieve. This has been called a myth for many reasons; however it truly is an illusion, because your work - the thing you do for most of the hours of the day (usually) - IS your life. It is one part of the many aspects of your life, and how you feel about your work is going to affect the other elements.People struggle to devote a certain amount of pre-determined hours to each part, but in reality it is all part of your life and your experience as a human on this earth. In the HR world, this "balance" is even more important, because we constantly interact with people and their emotions, hopes and desires, and interpersonal conflicts daily. If we are not happy in our roles and feel like we don't have perfect "balance," then that will affect those we lead. So how do we banish the idea of "work-life balance" and instead ensure that work is integrated into our lives in a meaningful, healthy way? 1.Find a role that aligns with your values at a company you love. Work for a company where you ultimately support what they believe in - does their mission align with your values? For example, if you are an environmentalist, don't work for a gas company. If you are passionate about a diverse and inclusive workplace, don't select a company where everyone looks and acts the same. This is the first step to ensuring that when things get tough at work, you'll know that deep down your values are aligned with the greater mission of the company. In MyOpinionBy Marisa Louviot, Director, Global Training and Development, Marc Jacobs Marisa Louviot
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